The Coronavirus pandemic swept the world at the most convenient possible moment for Joseph Muscat, Keith Schembri, Konrad Mizzi and their small army of loyalists, whose names started creeping up one by one during Melvin Theuma's testimonies. Yet despite all the pressure being taken off these central characters in Malta's darkest hour, the call for justice has not been forgotten. 

After the resignation of Joseph Muscat as Prime Minister and the ascension of Robert Abela, it seemed that the country had turned a corner. The resignation of Justyne Caruana as minister sent a strong message that there might be a return to normality somewhere down the line. Though positioning himself as the continuity candidate, Robert Abela seemed ready to take tougher action on corruption. 

Nonetheless, doubts have remained due to the fact that for the rule of law to be fully upheld, it must be done so without fear or favour - and all must be equal before the law. Unfortunately, our cowboy developers and many others demonstrate that this equality does not yet exist. Similarly, the country's change of administration did not wash away the sins of the past. 

We are still waiting for justice in the case of an assassinated journalist, and most of those implicated in Melvin Theuma's testimonies have been allowed to roam around wrapping up loose ends and potentially hiding any evidence which could implicate them.

In an interview recently, Minister Evarist Bartolo heavily implied that he was aware of much more regarding the murder than is publicly known. One gets the impression that while the Labour Party has disowned the Panama gang, they are still being protected so as not to split the party or damage its legacy or narrative.

As the leader of one of Malta's third parties, I am by definition non-partisan and against tribalism. I stepped outside of the traditional paradigm, away from my family's political colour to pursue an ideal - that we Maltese and Gozitans can overcome our superficial differences and treat one another with decency and respect. 

However, this reality free of old hatred will not come to pass so long as there are two weights and two measures applied. We must all be first class citizens - so long as there are those who evade justice, the rest of us are merely second class citizens.

I therefore appeal to this government; do not assume we have forgotten. Justice must still be done. For it to succeed in healing this country, justice must be seen to be done. No pandemic will change this. We are still waiting. Let us open a new chapter together once this storm has passed - and let it truly be opened together. Abandon the ghosts of the past; do not rely on them. Then we may all finally heal.